2021 Conterno Fantino Castelletto Vigna Pressenda Barolo, Piedmont

A dark and slightly old-fashioned wine with aromas of bergamot, tar, earth, minerals, flowers and restrained blood oranges. It’s full-bodied and fierce on the palate, with firm, dusty yet ripe tannins, crisp acidity, mint and orange notes and a tight yet polished finish. Try after 2027.

95 points jamessuckling.com

The organic Conterno Fantino 2021 Barolo Castelletto Vigna Pressenda shows lots of richness and volume, with a bouquet that is exceptionally focused and sharp. This estate has expertly captured the purity of this balanced vintage with a long growing season, just like Nebbiolo likes it. Firm but restrained power is delivered across the width of the palate and the firm tannins. A metallic note of iron ore appears on the close to give the wine a salty aftertaste.

96 points Monica Larner robertparker.com

Among the great vineyards of Monforte d’Alba, Castelletto is known for producing Barolo of elegance and perfume, and the Vigna Pressenda parcel captures this character beautifully. Conterno Fantino, established in 1982 by Claudio Conterno and Guido Fantino, has become one of Piedmont’s most respected estates through a focus on exceptional vineyard sites and meticulous winemaking. The Castelletto slopes are rich in limestone and clay, with ideal sun exposure that allows Nebbiolo to ripen slowly, building aromatic complexity while retaining the structure needed for long ageing.

In the glass the wine shows a classic garnet colour with ruby reflections. The aromatics are lifted and refined, opening with rose petal, wild strawberry and red cherry before revealing deeper layers of liquorice, crushed herbs and subtle spice. Hints of tobacco and forest floor develop with air, adding depth and complexity.

The palate is both powerful and elegant, combining vibrant red berry fruit with firm yet polished tannins. Bright acidity carries the wine across the palate, while notes of dried cherry, truffle, spice and mineral nuance unfold through the mid palate. The finish is long, savoury and beautifully structured, a hallmark of Castelletto Barolo.

Serve with braised beef, slow cooked lamb, truffle risotto or aged Parmigiano Reggiano. While already captivating with extended decanting, Vigna Pressenda Barolo is built for the cellar and will evolve gracefully for twenty to twenty five years, gaining layers of leather, dried rose and earthy complexity.